Best Civil Lawyer in California
Cary Kletter
Civil Lawyer
Cary Kletter is an experienced trial attorney practicing in the areas of employment law, business litigation, civil rights, real estate disputes and ERISA claims, among others. Mr. Kletter, who has been working for law firms since 1993, was a general litigation associate with the Manhattan law firm Rosenberg & Estis prior to moving to the Bay Area in 2000. Mr. Kletter has represented corporate executives, classes of individuals, business entities, non-profit organizations and public entities in both Federal and State court as well as before administrative agencies such as the CA Division of Labor Standards and Enforcement. Mr. Kletter has represented more than 10,000 litigants in California courts and arbitrations.
Mr. Kletter has extensive alternative dispute resolution experience and has represented clients in numerous mediations and other ADR forums. He graduated from Brandeis University in June 1992, obtained a law degree from Hofstra Law School in May 1995 and also took classes at Harvard University. Mr. Kletter is licensed to practice law in the states of California and New York, and numerous federal districts including the Northern and Southern Districts of California and the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
Mr. Kletter has received more than twenty awards for his work as an attorney. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He was named Attorney of the Year by the AIDS Legal Referral Panel for his work representing their clients. He has also received commendations from the California Senate and the U.S. House of Representative. Mr. Kletter is also a California licensed real estate broker.
Eric N. Chung
Civil Lawyer
Eric Chung received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine. While attending UCI, he was part of the Men’s Swimming and Diving team.
Eric received a significant merit scholarship to the University of La Verne, College of Law, which covered a significant portion of his tuition. He was a finalist for the Appellate Advocacy oral arguments and was invited to participate in Moot Court Honors. He is the Founding President of the Society of Legal Studies and Business and frequently volunteered to speak to high school students about the importance of education. Chung was a certified law clerk with the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office for two years.
As partner at the firm, Attorney Chung has dedicated his professional career to advocating for clients dealing with civil litigation, family law and criminal law matters. He is admitted to practice before all California State Courts and the United States District Court, Central District of California. He is also currently working towards obtaining a Master’s in Business Administration.
NIGEL BURNS
Civil Lawyer
Mr. Burns is originally from Ireland where he obtained the first of his two law degrees. Mr. Burns received his law degree in the United States from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California and was graduate speaker for his graduating class. He is active in the legal community and has served on numerous Trial Lawyer associations and Boards.
Mr. Burns has tried many cases and has built a reputation as a fierce litigator but one who is respected in his legal community. He has obtained many significant verdicts including a verdict of $1.4 million dollars in a medical malpractice action against the County of Los Angeles. Mr. Burns was also co-counsel on a personal injury case, which resulted in the largest verdict in Southern California involving the loss of a spleen. Other significant verdicts and settlements include a $1,300,000 settlement for co-counsel on a case in Arizona involving misrepresentations to mobile home owners regarding the length of lease for senior residents, a $775,000 settlement for a girl injured at school, a $400,000 settlement for a young girl who was hit by a bat at a company picnic, a $462,000 verdict in a Breach of contract dispute, a $225,000 settlement for a woman who slipped and fell on a grape in a grocery store, a $4.25 million dollar policy limits settlement for automobile wrongful death, and an elder financial abuse settlement after 7 days of trial in Orange County involving repayment of over $575,000 to the victim. To date, Mr. Burns has secured in excess of $25 million collectively for his clients through verdicts and settlements.
As a trial attorney, Mr. Burns is experienced in handling cases involving business disputes and trademark issues as well as serious personal injury cases, including but not limited to, automobile and pedestrian accidents, victims of criminal attacks on commercial premises, product design and defect cases. Mr. Burns is known throughout his community for his ability to handle difficult and emotional cases with skill and also for his creativity with litigation strategy and resolution. Mr. Burns has also handled several appeals and has an impressive success rate in appeals where his client has been the prevailing party approximately half of the time.
Mr. Burns and his team of capable attorneys and staff also are skilled in handling criminal matters, ranging from serious felonies to misdemeanors and have achieved significant victories for his clients in that area. Additionally, Mr. Burns represents parties in divorce and custody matters as well as financial elder abuse cases and is known for his ability to litigate and resolve complex elder financial abuse matters. His mixture of compassion and zealous advocacy makes him a dependable and capable ally during these difficult times and he prides himself on the number of clients who he has assisted who have gone on to refer their family and friends because of their level of satisfaction with his performance and professionalism.
He is a frequent writer and lecturer and has written on subjects including entitlement to Medical Payments for Injured Patrons, How to Prosecute a Third-Party Criminal Attack Case and the validity of releases. Mr. Burns was the managing attorney for one of the largest personal injury firms in Southern California and has extensive experience in representing clients and obtaining significant results for them. He takes pride in monitoring every case closely so that clients not only obtain a satisfactory result but are aware of the process and what is going on with their case on a constant basis.
Mr. Burns is also an active parent and has served as a Cub Scout Master, an elementary school football and debate coach and is also active in his local Parish. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, negotiating for and representing fighters and reading history and writing.
Mark Gomez
Civil Lawyer
As CEO Mark Gomez has grown Gomez Law, APC steadily over the years to fight for the Real Estate rights of the firm’s clients no matter the forum. As a law clerk Mark worked on foreclosure and eviction-related cases helping clients reverse their foreclosures and obtain large cash settlements. As an attorney Mark has taken select cases on contingency confident in obtaining a positive outcome for his clients. In Valbuena v. Ocwen (2015), which he won on appeal and was later published in the 4th Appellate District, Mark reversed the foreclosure and his client returned back to their home. Under his leadership and case supervision, the firm has recovered millions on behalf of their clients.
Mark provides high-quality legal representation for anyone with any type of Real Estate legal issue because he believes that for most families and individuals, building wealth means protecting their Real Estate rights.
His legal career started with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles before turning his attention to Real Estate civil litigation.
Mark invests in Real Estate himself with a number of current short term rentals. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, music, and is a basketball fan.
Bar Admission
All Courts for the State of California
U.S. District Court Central District of California
Education
B.A. – University of California, Riverside
Political Science
J.D. – Rutgers Law School
Doron F. Eghbali
Civil Lawyer
Education:
J.D., California Western School of Law
B.A., Rutgers – State University – Newark; Newark, NJ
Admissions:
State of California
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Professional Associations and Memberships:
- Senior Board of Governors: Beverly Hills Bar Association
- President: Beverly Hills Bar Association, Barristers
- Board of Governors: Beverly Hills Bar Foundation
- Executive Committee Member of Beverly Hills Bar Association Entertainment Section
- Former 3-Time Co-Chair of Beverly Hills Bar Association Real Estate Section – 2010-2013
- Executive Committee Member of Beverly Hills Bar Association International Law Section
- Executive Committee Member of Beverly Hills Bar Association Conflict Resolution Section
- Executive Committee Member of Beverly Hills Bar Association Business Section
- Chair of Tolerance Through Education of Barrister’s Section of Beverly Hills Bar Association
- Executive Committee Member of Beverly Hills Bar Association Audit Committee
- Executive Committee Member of Beverly Hills Bar Foundation Scholarship Committee
Jonette M. Montgomery
Civil Lawyer
Mrs. Montgomery has gone on to become a shareholder in Dias Law Firm, Inc and practices law in the counties of Kings, Tulare and Fresno, where she specializes in business law, civil law, estate planning, probate and trusts, real estate law, family law and juvenile dependency law.
As well as being an active member of the Kings County Bar Association and a member of Tulare-Kings County Estate Planning Council, Jonette has been a member of the Parent Advisory Committee for the Pioneer Union Elementary School District and is an honorary member of the Kings Guild of Children’s Hospital of Central California.
JAKRUN SODHI
Civil Lawyer
Jak attended the University of California at Davis, where he first gained an interest in the law. Subsequently, he obtained his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. Jak has lived in the Modesto area for over 17 years, having commenced his legal career at the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. After several years of gaining trial experience, he moved onto private practice, specializing in civil litigation with an emphasis in business, personal injury, and criminal defense.Having been a partner in two law firms in Modesto, and successfully trying over 55 civil and criminal trials, Jak ventured out by forming the Sodhi Law Group, which provides him the ability to focus his practice in the areas of the law that allow him to continue to aggressively advocate for his clients, giving them the personal service and attention he feels is critical to the running of a successful law practice, where the client and their needs are first and foremost.
Jak and his wife Ticia belong to several charitable organizations, including the Center for Human Services, Community Hospice of Stanislaus County, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Jak and his team look forward to providing you the strong and aggressive advocacy you deserve while guiding you through the legal process and ultimately achieving success!
Joanne Y. Zhou
Civil Lawyer
Joanne Zhou is the founder and managing partner of The Zhou Law Group, and a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) – the highest recognition of family law expertise issued by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California. Ms. Zhou has represented over 1,000 clients in the past 10 years and is well known for her talent, compassion, competence, and efficiency. Her strength lies in her ability to simplify complicated divorce issues and propose intelligent, effective solutions for her clients.
As a prominent member of the California Bar Association and California Family Law Association, Ms. Zhou regularly gives exclusive interviews to Tencent, and many other mainstream media companies, with her comments on trending legal news and topics, which have gained over 50 million views in total. Her pristine reputation speaks volumes about her exceptional skills and profound social influence.
Ms. Zhou has represented clients in all types of dissolution proceedings, be it local or international, ranging from relatively straightforward matters to the most complex and high asset ones involving children, business, investment (restricted stock units, stock options, IPO-related equity), and various other assets and liabilities. Ms. Zhou is proficient in both Chinese and English, well versed in the multicultural background, and thus adept at understanding and meeting the needs of domestic and cross-border clients.
Before founding The Zhou Law Group, Ms. Zhou worked side by side with a highly recognized San Jose Lawyer Stanley K. Yim for several years. Together they assisted numerous clients from various ethnic groups with their immigration and family law concerns. Prior to coming to San Jose, Ms. Zhou also clerked with Judge David Shaheed in Indianapolis, Indiana. These experiences proved invaluable as they helped Ms. Zhou mature into a reputable and accomplished professional with moral integrity.
EDUCATION
- Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, J.D.
- China University of Political Science and Law, LLB
BAR ADMISSIONS
- State Bar of California
ASSOCIATIONS
- California Lawyers Association (CLA)
- Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association
- The Alameda County Family Law Association
COURT ADMISSIONS
- The Supreme Court of The State of California
- US District Court of Northern California
Golden State Justice: Why You Need a Top Civil Lawyer in California
California’s sunshine and beaches may mask a complex legal landscape. If you’re facing a civil lawsuit, navigating the legal system can feel like navigating the Pacific Coast Highway – scenic but demanding your full attention and expertise. Here’s why securing a top-notch civil lawyer in California is crucial for protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Masters of the Golden State’s Legal Domain:
California has its own distinct set of civil laws, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier civil lawyer licensed in California possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances:
- Decoding Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the California Civil Code , interpreting key court rulings that may influence the case and identify the best path forward.
- Expert Legal Guidance: Their knowledge of California’s civil law allows them to provide accurate legal advice and craft effective strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of your case. (CA.gov)
2. Building a Strong Case from the Ground Up:
A skilled civil lawyer in California takes a proactive approach:
- Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing evidence, contracts, and witness statements. This deep dive allows them to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential claims, crafting a strategic plan to maximize your chances of success.
3. Your Champion in California Courtrooms:
The best civil lawyers are your fiercest advocates:
- Skilled Representation: They will represent your interests effectively throughout the legal process, leveraging their experience and legal knowledge to develop a strong legal argument and present evidence persuasively.
4. Crafting a Winning Strategy:
- Strategic Case Development: A skilled civil lawyer knows how to develop a strong legal strategy tailored to your specific case. They will identify the key arguments, gather supporting evidence, and devise a plan to present your case effectively. Their expertise can significantly increase your chances of success.
5. Negotiation Expertise for Favorable Settlements:
Many California civil cases are resolved outside of court:
- Skilled Negotiation: The best civil lawyers are skilled negotiators who can advocate for your interests, protect your rights, and secure the best possible settlement terms. They can engage in effective communication with the opposing party or their legal representation, striving for a favorable outcome.
6. Courtroom Experience: Acing Your Case Presentation:
When litigation becomes necessary:
- Trial-Ready Representation: In the event that your case goes to trial, having a top civil lawyer is essential. They will present your case before a judge and jury, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making compelling arguments on your behalf. Their courtroom experience and persuasive skills can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
7. Extensive Legal Resources at Your Fingertips:
- Leveraging a Network of Expertise: Established civil lawyers often have access to extensive legal resources and a network of professionals that can strengthen your case. They can collaborate with expert witnesses, investigators, and other specialists who can provide valuable insights and support.
8. Emotional Support Throughout the Legal Journey:
- Understanding the Human Side: Legal matters can be emotionally challenging. The best civil lawyers understand the stress and emotional impact these cases can have on individuals. They can provide guidance, reassurance, and support throughout the legal process, easing your burden and helping you navigate the complexities of your case.
Overall, having the best civil lawyer in California ensures that you have a skilled legal advocate who will protect your rights, provide expert advice, and increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your civil case.